Imphal, Jan 27: Manipur made a sensational start at the 38th National Games on Sunday, securing both the gold and silver medals in the men’s individual triathlon event. Sarungbam Athouba Meitei claimed the top spot, while teammate Telheiba Soram finished a close second, giving the state a dominant 1-2 finish.

Athouba completed the grueling triathlon, which involved swimming, cycling, and running, in a time of 1:01:01. Telheiba followed with a time of 1:02:10. Maharashtra’s Parth Sachin Mirage took the bronze with a time of 1:02:14.

The triathlon event, which began two days ago, is one of the major highlights of the National Games, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Dehradun. The games are set to run until January 30, with events taking place every alternate day.

Manipur’s triathlon contingent includes Athouba, Telheiba, and Bijenkumar Laikhuram in the men’s event, while female athletes Nongmaithem Nelshi Devi, Swety Nongmaithem, and Maibam Binita Chanu are also competing in triathlon and duathlon events. Maibam serves as a reserve.

In addition to their individual events, Athouba and Telheiba will participate in the men’s and mixed relay duathlons, while Nelshi Devi and Swety will compete in the women’s triathlon, duathlon, and mixed relay events. Manipur’s strong performance in the triathlon sets an early high bar for the rest of the competition at the National Games.